Peek out from Poo Poo Point via the Chirico Trail

Good news for Enumclaw residents! Tiger Mountain State Forest is well within reach of hikers living in Enumclaw – that’s especially convenient this year as many higher-elevation hiking trails remain snow-covered and aren’t in a hurry to melt out soon.  

Rest assured that Poo Poo Point has nothing to with bodily functions. The late William K. Longwell, Jr. author of “Guide to Trails of Tiger Mountains” provided an explanation. Tiger Mountain was logged before World War II and again in the mid-1970s. The forest was logged before there were radio communications between loggers – hence they communicated through a series of air whistles. The whistles created a  “poo poo” sound that resonated through the forest.

There are three approaches to Poo Poo Point with unobstructed views to Issaquah and beyond. It’s also a popular launch spot for hang gliders and paragliders. While not a climber’s summit the most direct route to the top is the Chirico Trail that starts from Issaquah-Hobart Road on the outskirts of Issaquah.

For fun consider the Chirico Trail approach the “directissima” route to Poo Poo Point. What’s a directissima? To mountain climbers a directissima is normally a very direct line or route up a mountain face such as the North Face of the Eiger.

While this gentle summit is no match for the North Face of the Eiger there are inspirational views for the rest of us. The trail is short, steep and in spring – sweet. After a long winter it’s refreshing to see sprinkles of wildflowers along the trail including bleeding hearts, trilliums and fringe-cup. The deciduous trees are a green haze of yellow-green as buds burst into leaves. Moss sparkles, birds sing.

The lower stretch of the trail is graced with elaborate rock-work where the trail makes a long switchback below a seasonal waterfall and a memorial. The rockwork is hiker-friendly and in places consists of stepping-stones.
As you climb enjoy peek-a-boo views to the field below where paragliders and hang gliders make their landing near the trailhead. You may encounter some of these enthusiasts as they haul their gear up the steep trail to the launch sites. One fellow was carrying a 63-pound pack. The reward? A sweet ride down to the trailhead that saves on the knees.

The trail is easy to follow; however as you approach Poo Point there is a little confusion where social trails cross the main trail. Such social trails are the handiwork of impatient users who have cut switchbacks. If confused – take the easier of two choices (the steeper trail is usually the “cut” switchback).

The forest opens out as the grassy bald of Poo Poo Point comes into view; there’s a bench where you can settle a while and take in the scene. It’s just a few steps more to the summit and North Launch viewpoint (1,850 feet) with views of Issaquah, Samammish Lake, Squak and Cougar Mountain, Bellevue, Lake Washington and on a clear day Mount Rainier (from the south launch point lower on the mountain). A picnic table is available for those willing to picnic on a chilly day.

We hiked down the way we came, noticing features we’d missed on the way up – fat clumps of yellow violets, pale-blue circular daubs of lichen on alders, the graceful shapes of ferns as they slowly unfurl.

You can also hike to Poo Poo Point (a longer approach) from the Tradition Plateau trailhead on Tiger Mountain or from the Issaquah High School (we’ve heard that parking can be hard to find at the high school due to construction). Refer to the map for details.  

To get there:  From I-90 get off on Exit 17 in Issaquah (Front Street). Drive south on Front Street - the street becomes Issaquah Hobart Road. About four miles from I-90 is the Chirico Trailhead (left) with parking and portable toilet. 

Alternatively, from Enumclaw, take State Route 169 north for just under 18 miles until you get to Cedar Grove Road S.E. Turn right on Cedar Grove Road S.E. and proceed for about four miles until you hit Issaquah Hobart Road. 

Trail data:  From the trailhead the hike is about 3.4 miles round trip with 1,800 feet of gain. The map is Green Trails Tiger Mountain Map 204S, Issaquah Alps Series.